Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series

Billy Collins

The Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series was created by faculty and staff to honor the memory of English professor Debra Vazquez who taught English, literature, and creative writing at CF for many years. Professor Vazquez established Imprints, the student literary magazine, as one of the best in the state and served as its faculty advisor until 2004. Every year, CF brings writers of literary stature to the Ocala Campus for free performances for faculty, staff and the surrounding community.

Since 2004, the series has welcomed United States Poet Laureate Ted Kooser, Li Young Li, Kay Ryan, and Marilyn Taylor. The Debra Vazquez Memorial Poetry Series has been a creative and energetic force that has engendered collaboration between faculty, facilitated interactions with our students, and connected us to artists and colleagues in the community and across the country.